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~•~
Sonic watches Shadow stalk forward, his steps a welcome interruption of the GUN mech's humming. Just one question before they do this: “Shadow, why are you siding with those monsters?”
“Siding with them? You're joking, right?” Shadow doesn't miss a beat. “I'm just siding with whoever goes up against you.”
Y'know what? That's fair. It's what Sonic has been doing all this time: briefly allying with GUN to fight against the alien invaders.
Shadow shifts his stance, pointing at Sonic like he's marking him for death. “This time, you're going down, Sonic!”
Sonic snickers, giddy to taunt and fight Shadow again. He mimes punches and bounces in place. Through his smile, he says, “If that's how it's gonna be, Shadow, then bring it on!”
Shadow clenches his fists. “Just say when!”
Oh, he's inviting Sonic to take the lead? Well, no time like the present! “Alright! You ready to do this?” He gives Shadow a chance to back out, just in case, but they both know where this is going. “Come on!”
Smirking, Shadow returns, “Alright, Sonic. Defend yourself!” and glows orange.
They spindash into each other, bouncing backwards and knocking Sonic right into the GUN mech. “Oof!” He forgot about that thing. The pilot inside rages and spouts some nonsense that Sonic tunes out, focusing on Shadow, who is skating towards him, aiming a punch that Sonic dodges. Instead, it lands in the center of the mech with a familiar creaking, crumpling sound. Sonic laughs. “Not bad, Shadow!” He tackles Shadow from the side, pinning him to the ground for a brief moment, flashing a grin. “But the fun’s just getting started!”
~•~
Sonic could keep going, but he doesn't really want to. The GUN pilot fled from his broken machine a while ago, leaving a hunk of metal for Sonic and Shadow to use as a platform. Sonic took a kick to the head that knocked him face down on the floor, but the bruise has already healed. He could get up, but he's curious to see what happens if he doesn't.
Sonic pushes his hands against the floor, propping himself up enough to look up at Shadow. “Man, I didn't think ya had it in ya!” All seven Emeralds circle slowly above Shadow's head, casting him in rainbow light.
Ignoring Sonic's teasing comment, Shadow declares, “I’m Shadow the Hedgehog. And now… I am the most powerful hedgehog in the world!”
Sonic ducks his head to hide his smile. That's what Shadow took from this? He beat Sonic, so now he's the best? Sonic muffles a snicker into the back of his glove. Chaos, that's so cute.
“The power of these Emeralds makes me invincible!” And he's technically not wrong! Shadow with all the Emeralds is definitely stronger than Sonic with no Emeralds. Then Shadow triumphantly declares, “I am the ultimate hedgehog!” and Sonic puts his other glove to his mouth to cover a giggle. How is he this cute? “This is who I am!” And then Shadow laughs. Not his usual scoff, but a full laugh, almost like a declaration of victory in itself.
Sonic has never been so glad to have ‘given up’ a fight. This is one of the most adorable things he's seen Shadow do, right up there with him petting and holding Chao. Still grinning, he pushes himself up to a kneel. “What are ya gonna do now, Shadow?”
Shadow looks around at the Black Comet. “Hmph. Get rid of these pests. They're just a waste of time.”
Sonic hops up and cheers. “Yeah! They'll pay for trashing my speedways!” He runs onward. “I think the leader is here somewhere!”
“I know he is,” Shadow replies, instantly next to him with the little pop of Chaos Snap. “Come on. This way.” He takes the lead, and Sonic follows with a little laugh.
He's glad that Shadow has his confidence back. Considering their fight in space, when Shadow tried to pass him the title of Ultimate Lifeform, it makes sense he'd regain confidence by defeating Sonic. Watching Shadow go Super alone just to style on Black Doom makes Sonic smile, and he decides he'll always support Shadow.
After obliterating Doom and the Comet, Shadow descends back to Earth like an angel glowing golden in the dark sky. “I am the Ultimate Lifeform,” he declares, looking up at the moon. “I do whatever I want.”
Sonic grins, racing around him and holding out a hand. “Shadow, that was sweet!” Shadow impassively slaps his hand into Sonic's, who turns gold on the spot. Hey, he wants to show off too. Sonic lifts Shadow into the air and spins them. “You really are the ultimate.” At Shadow's huff, Sonic leans in closer and adds, “The ultimate cutie.”
Shadow smacks him with his free hand. “Shut up, faker.” Sonic laughs, happy to get a rise out of him and glad Shadow has his memories back. “I defeated you. You know that I'm the strongest hedgehog now.”
Sonic beams, leaning closer, his tail wagging. “Yeah, coming from you, that's one heck of a compliment. I'll gladly concede the title of Ultimate Lifeform, but I'm not down and out just yet.” He gently nudges their noses together and looks up at him through lidded red eyes. “Whaddya say we go for another round? Full power, no holding back.”
Shadow growls as he pulls Sonic closer. “You’re going down.”
Sonic can't help but kiss him first. They're so close, and he's just so cute, and Shadow freezes adorably for a second before reciprocating – and Sonic is incandescently happy, floating in the night sky with his rival.
~•~